But what constitutes deep learning? In what kind of environment can students learn to impact the world rather than just to do well on a test? Undergraduate research is one of the most valuable ways for students to learn how to research, develop and communicate their ideas and collaboration is the key to learning. Students are encouraged to get involved in global projects that have a diversity element. Increasingly, students are being urged to do internships, preferably overseas, to get experience in a real word setting.
It’s very important that It’s also very important that students students get frequent and get frequent and constructive feedconstructive feedback. back and that they are allowed time for structured self-reflection. They are also expected to share the results of their research publicly. In short, they are pushed outside of their comfort zones.
Training future leaders Mary Kay Mulvaney and her colleagues led a lively session on integrating high-impact educational practices and experiential education on Thursday afternoon. At Elmhurst College’s Center of Professional Excellence, Chicago, USA, they believe that a successful honors program is about learning what’s beyond the classroom as much as what goes on inside it. Honors students are already academically strong when they arrive in the classroom; getting real world experience is what’s going to help to develop them into future leaders. It’s about creating education that is relevant to the individual and to their professional preparation.
By working with community, government and private organisations, partnerships are created. These are key to collaboration and innovation. One of Elmhurst’s stakeholders, Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, a residential care facility for youths in Chicago, gave an overview of how their partnership works. Focusing on helping residents to decide on post-secondary education options, they actively take teens on school or vocational visits. They also use programs such as the ‘Do college for a day’ scheme, which is run by the Elmhurst honors students. Another key element of high-impact learning is preparing students for the workplace. It’s Important for them to know what they are good at. Students need to know what an employer is looking for and how to communicate their ideas. Elmhurst Undergraduate student Jessica Mueller gave a moving and inspiring speech which had some of the audience wiping tears from their eyes. She spoke frankly about her childhood experiences and how they influenced her project which took place at the Mercy Home. She explained how her work there provided her with a new appreciation of applied and high-impact learning. To her, it’s not about the classroom, it’s about learning her strengths, her passions and sharing experiences. Afterall, students remember the things they do better than anything they learn in a classroom. Encouraging innovation through collaboration between students and community, government and business organisations: it’s a win - win situation. [SG] Live Magazines: Honors Conference 2013
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